HI HCR191

Urges Congress to recognize state-level opposition to the Federal Communications Commission's 2017 repeal of net neutrality regulations and immediately restore those regulations.

Notes that Hawaii Governor David Ige signed an executive order in February 2018 requiring state agencies to obtain internet services only from providers who abide by net neutrality principles, joining governors from Montana, New York, New Jersey, and Vermont.

References Washington becoming the first state in March 2018 to pass a law prohibiting internet service providers from manipulating networks for profit, with dozens of other states considering similar measures.

Requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study the costs and benefits of establishing a state-owned public utility company to provide high-speed broadband internet service.

Directs the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 Regular Session begins.